7MM STW for long range moose??

Hey guys, I'm looking at re-barreling my 8lb Rem 700 24" barreled 7mm mag and putting on a 26" custom one in 7mm STW. The question I have is what kind of performance are you guys getting on big game with this caliber and really, is this gun big enough for what I want it to do. Max range for me would be around 500yds. I would be loading up either the 140gr TSX or the 160gr TSX. The gun is going to be used for moose at ranges mentioned. I also considered the 300 win mag and fast .33's (338 RUM & 340 Wby) due to the size of the game, but I really like the idea of this 7mm STW and it's little nicer to shoot. Any input/experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.....

Out to 500 is no trick on moose. But go with a barrel twist that will handle 175 grain
bullets. 160's would be the minimum I would shoot on an animal that large. Your 7mm
is plenty enough at that range as well with the heavier bullets. A 175 at 500 in the
stw will have in the area of 2200 ft lbs with a 3000 fps muzzle velocity. You need a
26 inch barrel with the stw. Any shorter and it suffers. I don't see much difference
in recoil between the 300 wmag and the stw. The 300 certainly is more efficient at
delivering is payload with less powder and a shorter barrel.

I have shot four decent moose now using a .308 up to a 45-70. a 7mm STW will work great but I suggest using the biggest bullet you can as well. Depending on where you are going and the temperatures determine how thick the critter is at the time. Moose can get pretty thick so deep penetration is a must even if shooting a lung shot.

Thanks for the replies so far guys. I just wanted to know what I should be looking at as I am totally new to the longer range hunting game. I just didn't know if the 7 STW would have enough horsepower to do the job or if I should just go to the 300 Win mag for ease of brass, efficiency, etc. Is the STW that much faster/better than 7mm mag that I should even bother or should I just look at something else for my needs?? Maybe a 340 Wby?? I just didn't really want to get into high recoil, because it doesn't make it enjoyable to shoot them then.

I just didn't really want to get into high recoil, because it doesn't make it enjoyable to shoot them then.

I suggest you buy either a 7mm Remington Magnum or a 300 Win Mag and be done with it. Easy to find quality brass, recoil is manageable, and easy to get a good shooting handload in either. I have 2 7mm Rem Mags and would take either on a moose hunt and would shoot one out to 900 yards or even 1000.

Thanks for the replies so far guys. I just wanted to know what I should be looking at as I am totally new to the longer range hunting game. I just didn't know if the 7 STW would have enough horsepower to do the job or if I should just go to the 300 Win mag for ease of brass, efficiency, etc. Is the STW that much faster/better than 7mm mag that I should even bother or should I just look at something else for my needs?? Maybe a 340 Wby?? I just didn't really want to get into high recoil, because it doesn't make it enjoyable to shoot them then.

The stw is a lot faster, in the 100-150 fps range. But it was designed for, and really shines with 140 grain bullets. Then it is about 250 fps faster. With the longer barrel
though. But with a 1:8.5 twist and 175's you are talking 3100 fps and a whopping
3700 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle. Capable of any game about anywhere with the
proper bullet. Brass is easy to get, loaded rounds are in most stores now a days and
with 140's at 3450 fps the gun is a desert delight.